I study your story,
Earthly in nature.
Horror written by men,
Men with little to wager

I read the rules—
I read them like a prayer.
I cling to them in hopes
When I turn you’re not there.

My breathing grows cold,
My muscles bloom violet.
The fire in my bones
Obediently falls silent.

I ran all too fearful
I pushed my mind too hard
Your punishments were harsh,
And yours, only the start,